Quote:
Originally Posted by manasecret
They are not beyond stretches, and you would agree that they are not if you studied up on the history of Katrina and what actually happened and the similar levee systems that exist throughout the U.S. And your points did little to rebut mine, in my opinion.
The reason I'm going on like I am about this is because you are an influential person here, and when you're ignorant on a subject it tends to breed ignorance. And that's not just here, this ignorance of Katrina seems rampant throughout the U.S. Notice I said ignorance, not stupidity, in case anyone takes that personally. I mean just a lack of knowing the facts of what happened.
I recommend for anyone interested to read more about Katrina and what really happened, to read this.
Debunking the "New Orleans Flooded Because it is Below Sea Level' Myth |
I still think the heart of the debate is rooted in the fact that rebuilding efficient levees that can withstand the impact of a Category 5 hurricane will cost a lot and require a lot of upkeep and take a long time to finish. So, what's the debate? I think people want to know if it is worth spending all the money when an evacuation is just as practical.
People could build their houses out of reinforced steel in tornado valley. But they don't. When a tornado comes they go to their basement and tough shit up. People who live in the path of Mount St. Helens could reinforce their properties with a lava-stopping barrier, but that's not really cost-effective or practical.
I guess the real debate probably lies in the Is It Worth It vs. Is It Not Worth It argument. Also, as Professor S implied...
as T (time) approaches Infinity, Nature > Humans
[ T ---> ∞ , N>H ]
That is to say...over a period of time, nature ALWAYS beats humans. So, a levee system will be an initial investment upfront, plus the cost of repairs until the end of human existance.
Personally, I'd rather our government invest billions of dollars in an asteroid defense system. Me? I personally don't give a shit about New Orleans. I'm more worried about defending earth from an oncoming asteroid or comet...then we will really have problems.
